Ichikawa Danjūrō V in a Shibaraku Performance 1779 - 1799

This 18th-century woodblock print, "Ichikawa Danjūrō V in a Shibaraku Performance," by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicts the famous kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō V as a fierce warrior figure. The actor is portrayed in a dramatic pose, with a red face, a towering headdress, and a long sword, demonstrating the bold, vibrant style of ukiyo-e, a popular genre of Japanese art. The print, a striking example of Katsukawa Shunkō’s artistry, was created during the Edo period and showcases the importance of kabuki theater in Japanese culture.